The Magic Of Winter Flowers & Where To See Them
Flowers & Gardens - 20.02.24
Winter offers a special kind of magic, frosty mornings, and a gorgeous low sun. But one of the enchanting ways nature expresses itself during this season is through the bloom of beautiful winter flowers. At Combermere, we’re always excited to welcome an alluring array of winter wildflowers in our garden wood and woodland walk, including snowdrops and bluebells (which signify that spring is coming!).
Luckily, we aren’t the only gardens to offer the spectacular sights of winter wildflowers, as many of our neighbours around Cheshire and Shropshire also have carpets of beautiful winter blooms which you can visit right now! Let us take you through some of the captivating winter flowers you can find on your journey.
The Magic Of Winter Flowers
Did you know many winter flowers have special spiritual meanings, and often signify changes in nature or one’s life? Below are some of our favourite things that flowers symbolise.
Bluebells – Did you know, bluebells are often associated with humility and gratitude? They symbolise constancy, and everlasting love, which is one of the reasons we love to have them at the ‘most romantic place in all of Europe.’ In folklore, bluebells are also linked to fairies and are considered magical flowers, and they even played a large role in William Shakespeare’s works!
Snowdrops – As for snowdrops, they are a symbol of hope, rebirth, and the arrival of spring. In various cultures, they represent purity and the triumph of life over death, which is why they are often seen as a sign of renewal at the end of winter.
Primroses – The word primrose literally translates to “the first rose” in Latin (prima rosa), and they are delightfully associated with young love, beauty, and the transition from winter to spring. Primroses are considered symbols of new beginnings, youth, and the appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.
Camellia – Camellias are often linked to admiration, gratitude, and perfection. They represent love and deep desire, with different colours conveying various emotions. White camellias, for example, symbolise adoration, whilst purple is often associated with spirituality and creativity.
Winter Aconites – Winter Aconites are symbols of hope, resilience, and the anticipation of warmer days ahead. As one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, they signify the triumph of life over the harshness of winter.
Where To See Winter Flowers In Cheshire & Shropshire
Bluebells at Combermere Abbey – Cheshire
We are renowned for our rich history and timeless beauty, but we are particularly celebrated for the enchanting Bluebells that pop up throughout our woodlands in the spring months. The deep blue petals of these delicate wildflowers form a sea of colour, creating a mesmerising carpet beneath our ancient trees. Visitors to Combermere are treated to a sensory experience, as the sweet fragrance of the Bluebells are complemented by the fresh spring air.
The abbey’s woodlands come alive every year, with the vibrancy of these spring blooms, offering a tranquil and awe-inspiring atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Combermere. This April, our Bluebell walks are returning once again, so if you are looking for a reason to be enveloped in magic be sure to get your tickets now.. Let us know what other wildflowers you see too!
Winter Aconites At The Dorothy Clive Garden – Shropshire
Situated in the heart of Shropshire, The Dorothy Clive Garden is a haven for flower enthusiasts seeking the delicate beauty of winter blooms. Winter Aconites can be found all over the gardens, with their golden-yellow blossoms resembling rays of sunlight, they are a captivating feature of this idyllic garden. As temperatures drop, these resilient flowers emerge, which we say symbolises hope and the promise of the coming spring. So, if you are captivated by the charm of winter Aconites, The Dorothy Clive Garden is a beautiful location to explore this winter.
Snowdrops At Rode Hall – Cheshire
Snowdrops, the delicate symbol of spring, hold a special place in the hearts of garden enthusiasts and winter florists alike. The charming Rode Hall is renowned for its exceptional snowdrop displays. The grounds come alive with a carpet of these dainty, bell-shaped blooms, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Visitors to Rode Hall during the winter season are treated to a display where the pristine white of the snowdrops contrasts beautifully with the muted winter tones.
Combermere Abbey, too, boasts its own enchanting smaller display of snowdrops. These delicate flowers are easy to split after flowering and can increase the show year on year. At Combermere we see this as giving nature a helping hand! And all for the benefit of our guests.
Other places to see Snowdrops in Cheshire & Shropshire
We recently shouted out some of our other favourite public and private country houses that have dedicated events around snow drops, they include:
Camellia At Hodnet Gardens – Shropshire
If you’re looking to spot some of the most beautiful fragrant Camellia, then take an invitation to stroll through Hodnet Gardens and witness the timeless allure of camellias.
Even in the midst of winter’s shortest days, the enchantment of beautiful blossoms never fails to captivate everyone. Camellia shrubs, known for their glossy, bright green leaves, edged with delicate teeth, and robust structure. Yet, stealing the spotlight are the vibrant flowers, showcasing hues of whites, pinks, reds, and even soft yellows. The petals, accompanied by golden yellow stamens, contribute to the overall show, enhancing the enduring charm of these winter blooms.
As our floral journey through Cheshire and Shropshire comes to a close, why not extend your experience by booking a cottage stay with friends, or a North Wing stay with your partner, and truly immerse yourself in the magic of the winter flowers and gardens.